Luque segmental spinal instrumentation: the use of the Hartshill rectangle

This article describes the use of the Hartshill rectangle for the correction of spinal deformity. The Hartshill system is a modification of the Luque method of segmental spinal instrumentation whereby rather than two separate "L" rods a welded rectangle is formed from a single stainless steel rod. A "roof" is bent into each end of the rectangle so that it conforms with the lamina. The Hartshill rectangle avoids the problems of overlapping L rods and gives increased stability and correction of rotation.